Science Fair has come a long way

They did it again! One substantial science fair! It`s a long story to be told on a short page--- for a purpose, a significant purpose! The purpose is to keep the momentum going.

We live and thrive in an age of scientific and technological creativity resulting in inventions beyond belief which make our lives more interesting, exciting and certainly more self- fulfilling. For this trend to continue, we require future scientists, engineers, computer whizzes, medical investigators, and mathematicians to mention but a few of the educated individuals.

The awards assembly of The Norwalk Science Fair, an annual event for the last 52 years, yes, 52 years, held at Brien McMahon on Monday night is an excellent example of our efforts to produce the essential expertise required for our future way of life.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, principals, Mayor Harry Rilling, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Manuel Rivera were all present to acknowledge and reward the scientific endeavors of our pupil, grades K-12 for their experiments as well as displays of their findings in the many diverse fields of the sciences---biology, chemistry, earth science, ecology, robotics and inventions.

One can remember the days of pupils bringing in their turtles and goldfish to the fair as well as the twenty, yes twenty demonstrations of erupting volcanoes of foaming baking soda and vinegar! But we have come a long way though we still love all of those volcanic memories!

The city of Norwalk is to be commended for the dedication of its Mayor, its Superintendent of Schools, its principals, its parental support and most of all its teachers and pupils for continuing this creative endeavor for over half a century, an endeavor which excites and motivates our young people to engage in scientific explorations.

As a judge for the past eleven years and as a science educator, I am impressed at the continuous improvement of the quality of the projects. It is not only heart-warming but brain-warming to see the progress in the quality of the projects and the astute and cautious conclusions and summary of events our pupils propose!

The Norwalk Science Fair has come a long way. It is up to us the parents, the teachers, the pupils as well as the total community to continue our efforts as was demonstrated on Monday night where all present made the time and took the time to recognize and support our children`s endeavors.

Hats off to the people whose efforts we greatly appreciate--- to Tom Seuch, Janine Lane, and Diane Albano for their hard work. Thanks to Principal Suzanne Koroshetz for her hospitality and to NJROTC as well. Many thanks to the judges. We could not do it without you!

And many thanks to our sponsors who provided financial aid. These include R.T. Vanderbilt Chemical Co., The Angie and Anthony Di Certo Family, The Sidney Gerhard Memorial, King Industries, Inc., MBI, Inc., General Electric Co., Brooks Lab, Norwalk Land Trust, Norwalk Lions Club, Pepperidge Farm, Purdue Pharma, Benedict Rich, D.D.S and Stew Leonards. Thank you, my dear friends for being with us all these years! We are indeed grateful!

And lest I forget -- yes, thank you People of The Hour in covering the event year in year out and giving recognition where recognition is due! I am told that ----that is what great newspaper people do!